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Jesus Bravo Targets Leading Role

URBAN CRAFT MAGAZINE had the chance to talk to Spanish-born actor, Jesus Bravo Romero, who was happy to invite us into his world and s...

URBAN CRAFT MAGAZINE had the chance to talk to Spanish-born actor, Jesus Bravo Romero, who was happy to invite us into his world and share with us his origin story.Below is how our conversation went........

For the benefit of our readership, would you mind telling us a bit about yourself and just how far you’ve come in the industry?

»»I was born in a small town of Extremadura, a southwestern region of Spain, with very limited opportunities to get involved into the acting industry so when I was 19, I moved to Madrid and studied acting, with the backing and support of my family.

I studied a range of disciplines, including theatre, dance jazz, tap, singing, mime and various acting methods such as Chekhov, Stanislavsky, Meissner, and others.

I have worked in theatre, musicals, music videos and short films in Spain and later moved to the UK in an attempt to further my career.

What would you say was the turning point in your career and how has the journey in the industry been thus far?

»»I felt my career opportunities improved when I moved to England back in 2012although it was an incredibly challenging time for me, with my limited knowledge of England and english language skills, at that time. For two years I worked in various hospitality roles and did my best to improve upon my english, surrounding myself with english speakers and studying at home during my free time.

It was in 2014 when I first approached an agent in Manchester, the agency specializes in securing background work and commercials but it was them who really helped me get my acting career off the ground. However, I would add that I still feel the industry remains a difficult area to break into, there is a wealth of competition and despite appearances I still feel that there is an underlying problem with individuals being typecast, stereotyped and underrepresented - on one occasion I was even told that I would be perfect in a spanish setting and that was purely because of my accent.

Any accolades/achievements to your name?

»»When I finished my studies in Spain I toured with Kaleidoscopio Theatre Group and played Captain Centellas in the production of Don Juan Tenorio and a police officer in Arsenico por compasion, the stage performance of the Cary Grant film Arsenic and Old Lace. Prior to this I had also been personally selected by the director Pedro Almodovar, to play a brief role in the film Volver. I was chosen because of my natural performance and whilst it was only brief, I feel that being hand picked by Pedro Almodovar is something to write home about.

Can you give us an insight into your professional career and some of the work/projects you have been involved in thus far?

»»My first featured role here in the UK was for a LottoLand advert with Chris Tarrant and then I went onto to do a commercial with Crown Paints, which was aired in the UK, Ireland and Malta and still runs to this day. I have also gone onto to perform in Coronation Street at ITV studios, MediaCity UK and appeared on the show at least twice this year.

What are you working on right now that we can look forward to. Please provide us with the particular details?

»»I'm currently working on my accent as I believe this will help enhance my opportunities, particularly here in the UK or further afield, if the opportunity presents itself.

What are your immediate and long-term goals?

»»I would like to do more theatre work here and eventually break into the film industry, with ideally a lead role of course. I would also like to try producing and perhaps even directing.